Next-level hardware: XPression M9 engines

The all-new XPression M9 engines, available in sleek 2RU and 4RU models, deliver a significant performance boost and modernized design:

• Up to 30% more processing headroom compared to the M8 hardware.
• 25% more CPU cores, ensuring faster and more efficient operations.
• Expanded storage capacity:
  • Nearly 4x more storage in the 2RU model.
  • An impressive 7x more storage in the 4RU model.
• 200% more RAM, enabling smoother workflows and enhanced multitasking.

The redesigned front panel of the M9 engines features advanced display functionality, offering operators improved system monitoring and easier access to critical information.

Enhanced creative tools

The v12 release introduces powerful new features designed to streamline production and elevate visual quality:

• Custom 3D LUTs for high dynamic range (HDR) workflows, enabling precise colour grading.
• Colour space information is now displayed in the Clip Store for improved asset management.
• Video shaders with automatic detection from source metadata, delivering optimized performance.
• Significant performance improvements in video shaders.
• Enhanced Clip Store search, making it faster and easier to locate assets.

For a full list of software upgrades,

The ultimate visual storytelling tool

XPression continues to set the standard for real-time motion graphics. Trusted by visual storytellers in news, sports, and live entertainment, it empowers teams to craft stunning, on-brand 2D and 3D graphics and animations. With XPression, your team can transform data into compelling visuals and composite them automatically in any live video format, all in real-time.

Unleash your creative team with XPression

The post Discover What’s New with XPression Graphics appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

PIERO is the go-to sports graphics analysis tool, enabling production teams in more than 20 sports worldwide to deliver unparalleled analysis to millions of viewers 

• Unbeatable reliability: Designed to handle the pressure of live broadcasts, PIERO ensures smooth and flawless analysis every time, giving broadcasters the peace of mind they need.

• Jaw-dropping visuals: With a rich bank of customizable effects and integration with the Unreal Engine, PIERO enhances your production quality and keeps your audience engaged. 

• Highly adaptable workflows: Customizable real-time workflows and fast transitions between tools make it easy to adapt at the last minute without technical delays so you can stay focused on creating compelling sports content. 

• Ease of use: PIERO’s intuitive interface ensures quick adoption, empowering creative teams to build stunning, high-end analyses without specialized technical support. 

What’s new from PIERO? 

PIERO v20, the latest release from 91ĚŇÉ«, is the most powerful version to date.  

IP for PIERO Live: Seamless integration for high-performance teams

With the new IP ST-2110 support, PIERO v20 allows users to incorporate PIERO’s live analysis with ST-2110 workflows as easily as with SDI. This upgrade requires the new M9 hardware, enabling smoother transitions and consistent, high-quality performance.Ěý 

Basketball live optical tracking: Full-featured analysis without external data 

Analysts and fans will benefit from PIERO’s new Basketball Live Optical Tracking feature. This tool allows operators to run full-featured live basketball analysis without needing external tracking data. Already deployed in select arenas, this optical tracking system brings real-time insights that basketball professionals can rely on 

New keyer for all sports: Enhanced clarity on any surface 

PIERO’s new keyer, debuting in v20, is engineered to make calibration easy in every sports setting, especially for games played on non-grass surfaces like courts or indoor stadiums with multi-colored floors. This new keyer ensures sharper graphics and cleaner visuals, regardless of the environment. 

Enhanced analysis with the new vertical grid effect 

Introduced in version 19.7 and available in v20, the Vertical Grid Effect empowers analysts for Football / Soccer with an innovative way to visualize game data. The vertical grid effect allows users to overlay a grid and markers within the goal area, creating a structured view of goal attempts and player movements. Compatible with calibrated clips and virtual stadium settings, this effect adds depth to scoring analysis, giving analysts a new way to explore and display gameplay strategies right where the action happens.Ěý

Baseball rounding effect: Precision tracking of player movement 

For baseball analysts, PIERO v20 supports the Baseball Rounding Effect introduced in v19, offering a powerful way to track player movement around bases. This effect, available for virtual stadiums and calibrated clips, lets users measure running angles, helping teams break down player efficiency and analyze performance at each base. It’s a simple, effective tool that provides clarity and precision for a detail-driven sport.Ěý

Experience PIERO v20 for yourself 

Discover the difference that PIERO can make for your team and viewers. Embrace the future of sports analysis with PIERO v20 and see why leading sports broadcasters trust 91ĚŇÉ« to bring their analysis to life. 

You can download the for a detailed list of v20 updates and the recent history of PIERO upgrades.

The post Unveiling PIERO v20: Revolutionizing Sports Graphics Analysis  appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

A smarter approach to remote production workflows   

Signal transport technologies like JPEG XS and HEVC are transforming how production teams manage video streams, delivering high-quality, low-latency content regardless of bandwidth constraints. This shift empowers outside broadcasters to maintain production standards even in challenging environments.Ěý

“ Anybody who’s been involved in the remote production space has learned the lesson that not every venue is built the same. We’re seeing more and more use of low-bit-rate, low-latency, high-quality codecs like HEVC to complement JPEG XS transmissions. So, you can get the same number of streams or even more streams utilizing a fraction of the bandwidth.”
Deon LeCointe, Director of Product, Networked Solutions, Sony

Gone are the days when operators had to travel to every site. Distributed production models allow teams to collaborate from anywhere, with operators virtually connecting to on-site equipment. This approach reduces costs and increases flexibility, allowing creative teams to focus on storytelling rather than logistics.

For Ross Production Services, this shift means 90% of their graphics operators now work from home—proof that production quality doesn’t depend on proximity to a production control center, just a high-quality internet connection. 

“Right now, ninety percent of our shows have graphics operators working at home—they don’t travel anymore. And most of the time, the team connects with the truck remotely to handle everything. It’s a better solution than a traditional REMI setup where you send feeds back to a control room and then back out. By having operators stay home, we’re cutting costs and creating a more streamlined workflow.”
– Stephen Repass, VP of Ross Production Services   

IP & cloud technology: Balancing progress with complexity 

Cloud-based tools are unlocking new possibilities. By moving key production elements to the cloud, teams can take on projects that might have been unfeasible due to budget or logistical constraints. Emerging leagues and digital-first platforms are tapping into these workflows, creating opportunities for growth and innovation.  

“Our clients are always looking for savings, asking how we can reduce costs while maintaining high-quality productions. With cloud-based solutions and distributed workflows, we’ve been able to open new doors and tap into opportunities with more minor leagues and digital-first platforms that might not have had the budget for traditional setups.” 
– Stephen Repass, VP of Ross Production Services   

The transition to IP-based workflows is streamlining live production, but integrating multiple IP standards presents challenges. Companies like NETGEAR are stepping in to simplify the setup, offering tools to manage hybrid networks effectively. For producers, this means less time wrestling with technology and more time creating engaging content. 

“The transition to AV over IP using various codecs, like ST 2110, NDI, and Dante, creates mixed environments that require careful configuration to avoid performance issues. The network should not be a barrier but facilitate the transition to AV over IP, eliminating complexity with certified switch platforms and simplified configurations“
– Laurent Masia, Senior Director of Product Line Management, NETGEAR

What’s next for remote production? 

The future of remote production is filled with potential. The industry is poised for continued transformation, with developments like 5G promising even greater connectivity, and mobile production units like 91ĚŇɫ’s RPS9 bringing more flexibility and advanced capabilities to production sites. 

Technology can only succeed if it’s easy to adopt. Solutions that replicate the feel of a traditional production environment—like ultra-low-latency connections and familiar control surfaces—help operators and clients feel comfortable with new remote or distributed workflows. This balance of innovation and familiarity ensures smooth transitions and reliable outcomes. 

As the panelists emphasized, the key to success lies in creating workflows that adapt to client needs while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The takeaway? The best solutions don’t just save time and money—they elevate storytelling. 

The post Innovating remote production: Insights from 3 industry experts appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

One of the biggest challenges for OB vans is keeping up with technological demands. As UHD and HDR become industry standards, the strain on existing systems grows, often forcing broadcasters to stretch their setups further.

Adding more cameras, integrating external feeds, and adjusting operator positions all contribute to this growing complexity. Broadcasters are expected to do more with less, leaving little room for error.

Common flexibility and scalability challenges in outside broadcasting  

1. Technological demands and pushing systems to their limits:

As the industry continues to shift towards UHD and HDR, broadcasters need systems that can handle these increased demands. Traditional OB setups, often struggle to meet these rising expectations. Pushing hardware to its limits raises the risk of failure and increases the chance of unmet customer expectations.

2. Flexibility to add gear and adjust on the fly:

Another major issue is the need to keep OB vans flexible. Broadcasters frequently need to add new gear, integrate external feeds, or add operator positions—often at the last minute—based on customer demands. Engineers on-site want to say “yes” to every client request, but rigid systems make it difficult to accommodate these changes without significant reconfiguration. 

3. The unpredictability of field production:

In the field, unknowns are inevitable, and the last thing an OB crew wants to do is spend precious time troubleshooting technical issues. Every second counts during a live production, and having to deal with sudden equipment failures, mismatched transport methods, or connectivity issues can derail an otherwise successful broadcast. Without a flexible, software-defined infrastructure in place, OB vans are more likely to face downtime and interruptions. 

The need for flexible and scalable solutions 

Given these challenges, modern OB vans need to be equipped with technology that offers flexibility and scalability without requiring extensive reconfiguration. CINELIVE, a North American mobile production company, faced this exact challenge while building a 4K HDR-ready mobile production truck. By leveraging 91ĚŇÉ«’s Ultrix platform, they were able to streamline their workflows across three verticals—corporate AV, traditional networks, and Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD)—allowing them to adapt quickly to diverse production needs without compromising on quality.

“There was no doubt that it’s not just the box for this time, but it’s the box for the next several years. This thing’s going to be on the road for a long time, and I don’t want to be switching out hardware two years from now—and I’m not going to be,” says Zach Pittman, President of CINELIVE​.  

Software-defined solutions provide OB vans with the adaptability needed to handle the demands of diverse live events. This technology allows for the seamless incorporation of additional production devices, advanced processing functions, and various production formats without consuming excessive space or requiring complex I/O reconfiguration. By integrating switchers with software-defined production engines (SDPE) like the Ultrix Acuity, broadcasters can load different software profiles based on the production—whether it’s a sports broadcast, a live concert, or a corporate event—offering the flexibility to meet varying production needs, such as using one large production switcher, multiple mid-level production switchers, or a combination of both. 

The ability to reconfigure systems on the fly offers another key advantage. With traditional setups, integrating new devices or adjusting workflows between productions can be cumbersome. However, software-defined solutions streamline the process, making it easier to respond to last-minute changes or unforeseen challenges during live broadcasts. This flexibility minimizes downtime and enhances overall production quality. 

For instance, software-defined systems enable OB vans to easily switch between HD and UHD formats or between SDR and HDR, depending on the event’s needs. These systems also allow for the addition of replay systems, cameras, and other production devices with minimal disruption to the workflow. By simplifying the integration process, OB crews can manage more complex productions efficiently, reducing the need for additional hardware and ensuring they can handle a wide variety of live events.  

The role of hyperconverged systems 

To achieve true flexibility and scalability, OB vans should adopt hyperconverged systems that consolidate multiple functions—such as routing, signal processing, multiviewing, and production switching—into a single platform. This reduces the need for multiple discrete devices, simplifying the overall setup. 

For example, traditional setups often require separate hardware for each function, leading to more equipment, higher power consumption, and greater cooling requirements. Hyperconverged systems integrate multiple functions into a single device, eliminating the need for separate hardware. This streamlines engineering and frees up valuable space for additional operator positions.

Another advantage of hyperconverged systems is that they enable OB vans to adjust to changes in production requirements more easily. Whether it’s scaling up for a larger event or incorporating new production devices, hyperconverged systems provide the flexibility to adapt without the need for extensive reconfiguration. This makes OB vans more versatile and capable of handling a broader range of live events, from small-scale productions to large international broadcasts. 

The Ultrix platform: A game-changer for OB vans 

One such hyperconverged solution is 91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix platform. Designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, Ultrix integrates routing, multiviewing, signal processing, and production switching into a single, software-defined platform. Ultrix Acuity, which combines the proven Ultrix router with Acuity switcher blades, offers even greater flexibility, allowing OB vans to mix and match signals across SDI, IP, NDI and Fiber, depending on the event’s requirements. This flexibility is powered by the SDPE blade, enabling OB vans to handle complex productions without sacrificing quality or operational efficiency.​ 

This software-defined architecture enables OB vans to handle a diverse range of live events, whether it’s an HD or UHD production. Ultrix eliminates the need for bulky external processing equipment and reduces the number of devices required to manage complex productions. This not only improves the operational efficiency of the OB van but also cuts down on power consumption and cooling requirements, making it a more sustainable option for broadcasters. 

The platform’s flexibility also allows OB crews to reconfigure workflows quickly, ensuring they can respond to the unique challenges of each event. Whether adding additional production devices or switching between production formats, Ultrix makes it easy for OB vans to scale their operations without the need for costly upgrades or additional hardware. By solving a range of engineering challenges, Ultrix is the ultimate problem solver for OB vans, providing the adaptability and efficiency broadcasters need to succeed in a fast-paced environment. 

Optimizing your OB van setup 

When optimizing an OB van for modern live events, it’s essential to prioritize equipment that offers multifunctional capabilities, energy efficiency, and simplified integration.

Innovative Production Services, based in Australia, optimized their OB truck by incorporating a hyperconverged solution, allowing them to transition seamlessly between large-scale events and smaller productions. By reducing the amount of hardware required, they minimized the operational footprint and increased the versatility of their truck to handle a wide variety of productions efficiently​.

Hyperconverged systems, not only reduce the number of discrete devices required but also simplify the integration process by requiring less cabling. This design optimization saves time in the planning and building phases and gets your OB van on the road sooner, reducing both integration costs and deployment time.

In addition to streamlined integration, hyperconverged systems provide flexible I/O configurations, supporting a wide range of transport protocols—including SDI, Fiber, ST 2110, NDI, HDMI, MADI, and DANTE—all within a single platform.

Vatican Media, which handles some of the most widely viewed global religious events, adopted Ultrix to manage diverse signal formats, allowing them to integrate SDI, IP, and other formats seamlessly within their production workflows. By using Ultrix’s software-defined architecture, Vatican Media minimized the need for additional hardware, simplifying their setup for high-profile, complex productions.

This flexibility allows OB vans to handle a wide variety of production needs with minimal reconfiguration, enabling broadcasters to quickly adapt to changing event requirements. By consolidating processing and routing functionalities into a unified platform, hyperconverged solutions eliminate the need for excess equipment, reducing the operational footprint while still meeting the demands of complex live events. These systems simplify the design, integration, and operational phases, allowing broadcasters to focus on delivering high-quality production services with less hassle.

Adapting OB vans for the future of live production

The landscape of outside broadcasting is continuously evolving, and OB vans must be equipped to handle the demands of today’s fast-paced production environments. By adopting flexible and scalable solutions, broadcasters can future-proof their operations, ensuring they can deliver high-quality productions across a wide range of live events. While traditional setups often limit flexibility, software-defined systems offer a more adaptable and efficient way to manage modern broadcasting challenges. 

Game changers in remote production

Simply sending an OB van to a remote venue to produce coverage of live sports or entertainment is no longer the only game in town.

Developments over the past several years have helped to drive a rethink about how best to implement new technologies and workflows, all while controlling costs.

For a look at the latest developments on how new technology is reshaping remote production workflows, watch this special TV Technology webcast, featuring Stephen Repass, Vice-President of Ross Production Services.

The post The Importance of Flexibility and Scalability in Outside Broadcasting appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

To overcome these challenges, 91ĚŇÉ« offers the Ultrix hyperconverged platform—a game-changing solution that provides OB vans with unmatched flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. 

CINELIVE, a mobile production company in North America, overcame this exact challenge. They built a 4K HDR-ready mobile production truck capable of serving multiple verticals—corporate AV, traditional networks, and Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD)—without needing multiple systems. By adopting Ultrix, they seamlessly handled a wide range of workflows with ease, future-proofing their operations for evolving market demands​.

The problem: rigid setups limiting production flexibility 

OB vans often operate with traditional systems that create bottlenecks, limiting their ability to push the system to its full capacity. This rigidity makes it difficult for OB crews to scale their operations, especially when faced with large or complex events. For example, adding more cameras or transitioning between formats like HD, UHD, and HDR can quickly overwhelm traditional systems, requiring costly hardware upgrades or extensive reconfiguration. This not only slows down production but also increases operational costs, as more resources are needed to manage complex workflows. 

Another major advantage of hyperconverged solutions is the ability to integrate a variety of transport types, such as SDI, fiber, ST 2110, NDI, and more. This flexibility allows OB crews to adapt to the unique demands of each event, integrating whatever technology is required without the need for extensive reconfiguration or delays. For OB vans, which need to be up and running quickly, this capability is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and handling the diverse workflows that live productions demand. 

The 91ĚŇÉ« solution: Ultrix Hyperconverged platform 

91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix platform addresses these issues head-on by offering a software-defined architecture that eliminates many of the limitations associated with traditional systems. Rather than relying on hardware-based upgrades, Ultrix allows OB vans to add advanced processing functions—such as frame syncs, audio mixing, HDR conversion, and more—without consuming additional I/O or requiring external processing.

Innovative Production Services is a great example of a broadcaster that took full advantage of Ultrix’s hyperconverged solution. By integrating Ultrix, they were able to reduce their hardware footprint significantly while creating a versatile OB truck that could easily scale up or down depending on the event’s needs. This flexibility allowed them to serve both large-scale live productions and smaller events with the same truck, all while improving operational efficiency​.

By consolidating routing, multiviewing, signal processing, and production switching into a single platform, Ultrix simplifies OB van setups, reducing the need for multiple devices and cutting down on space and power consumption. This makes it easier for OB crews to manage large-scale productions while keeping engineering costs under control. 

Additionally, Ultrix’s software-defined approach provides the flexibility needed to handle increasingly complex productions. Whether you’re covering a small local event or a large international sports broadcast, Ultrix can easily scale up or down based on the needs of the production—without requiring extensive reconfiguration or additional hardware. 

How Ultrix enhances flexibility and scalability in OB vans 

Advanced signal processing across select inputs/outputs:

Unlike traditional systems that limit certain functionalities to specific inputs or outputs, Ultrix offers advanced processing capabilities—such as frame syncs and Proc amp/color correction. Additionally, audio embedding/de-embedding and clean & quiet switching are available to further streamline operations. This combination of features maximizes throughput and reduces bottlenecks, ensuring that OB vans can handle even the most demanding live events with ease.

Software-defined architecture:

Ultrix allows broadcasters to add new functionalities via software licenses, without the need for hardware swaps. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for OB vans, where space is at a premium and additional hardware may not be feasible. By simply adding software licenses as needed, OB crews can unlock new features—such as audio mixing, frame syncs, or HDR conversion—based on the specific requirements of a production. This allows OB vans to adapt easily to new client needs or event demands without needing to purchase all licenses upfront. For example, if a production requires more frame syncs or HDR conversion, OB vans can quickly add licenses before the event, ensuring they are equipped to handle evolving customer demands without needing to install new hardware.Ěý

Seamless integration of IP workflows:

Ultrix offers the flexibility to integrate multiple transport protocols, including ST 2110, NDI, and SDI, simultaneously, allowing OB vans to choose the right mix of protocols for each production. Acting as the ultimate gateway, Ultrix can convert any signal or stream to another—whether it’s NDI to ST 2110, ST 2110 to HDMI, or SDI to NDI—providing seamless signal conversion to meet the needs of diverse production environments. This flexibility ensures that broadcasters can leverage the benefits of IP-based workflows while also incorporating other transport methods depending on the event’s specific needs. While IP systems can require detailed setup, Ultrix is designed to simplify workflow integration, helping broadcasters adapt efficiently to different environments. 

Efficient use of space and power: 

Space is a critical concern in OB vans, where every rack unit counts. By consolidating multiple functions into a single platform, Ultrix reduces the overall hardware footprint, freeing up space for additional operators or equipment. This not only increases the efficiency of the OB van but also reduces fuel costs and energy consumption, making it a more sustainable solution for broadcasters. 

Real-world application: Ultrix in action 

Broadcasters worldwide are already experiencing the benefits of 91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix platform. OB vans equipped with Ultrix FR12 have successfully scaled their operations to cover major events, including international sports tournaments, concerts, and breaking news broadcasts.  

Vatican Media utilized Ultrix to manage diverse signal formats during high-profile global events, including widely broadcast religious ceremonies. By integrating multiple signal types—SDI, IP, and more—they streamlined their workflows without the need for additional hardware, allowing them to deliver high-quality broadcasts to millions of viewers​.

Vivaro Video took advantage of Ultrix’s software-defined architecture to reduce complexity in live event production. By minimizing additional hardware requirements and simplifying the integration of cameras and replay systems, they efficiently scaled their operations, adapting to varying production demands with ease.Ěý

CINELIVE achieved significant space and weight savings through hyperconverged technology. As Zach Pittman explains, “we saved probably 1,500–2,000 pounds in cable weight alone by having everything in a hyperconverged network.” This optimization allowed them to minimize setup time and streamline their overall production​. 

“We ended up with over 215 I/O left after routing, switching, multiviewing, embedding/de-embedding, and frame syncs—everything’s done within the box (Ultrix). That made it a no-brainer to go with hyperconvergence to save weight, time, space, and money,” says Pittman.

The ability to scale operations on the fly has also proven invaluable during peak events, where broadcasters need to handle sudden spikes in production demand. With Ultrix, broadcasters can easily adjust their setup to accommodate these spikes without sacrificing functionality or increasing operational costs. 

The bottom line: why Ultrix is the ideal solution for OB vans 

91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix platform offers OB vans a unique combination of flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. By consolidating multiple functions into a single software-defined platform, Ultrix eliminates the need for bulky hardware, reduces power consumption, and frees up valuable space within the OB van. This not only enhances the operational efficiency of the OB van but also provides broadcasters with the scalability they need to handle a wide range of live events. 

If you’re looking to maximize the flexibility and scalability of your OB van setup, 91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix platform is the ideal solution. Whether you’re covering a local event or an international broadcast, Ultrix provides the tools you need to deliver high-quality productions with fewer resources and greater confidence. 

Key features of the Ultrix platform for OB vans: 

Advanced I/O signal processing: Frame syncs, audio mixing, HDR conversion, and more 

• Software-Defined Architecture: Add new features via software licenses without the need for hardware swaps. 

• Flexible I/O Configurations: Seamlessly integrate IP workflows with support for ST 2110, and NDI. 

• Efficient Space and Power Use: Reduce your hardware footprint and energy consumption while increasing your production capabilities. 

Explore the Ultrix platform today and see how it can transform your OB van operations. Contact us to speak with an expert and learn more about how 91ĚŇÉ« can help you scale your operations with ease.Ěý

The post How 91ĚŇɫ’s Ultrix Platform Can Transform Your Outside Broadcast  appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

Our industry is going through some major changes, both in the way products are created and how we deliver content to audiences around the world. Every day, I see customers pushing the envelope on what can be done in media production, experimenting with flexible cloud-based, remote, and hybrid production models or the signal transport technology in which the content is made. These trailblazers drive the industry and our technology forward, and I see that continuing long into the future.

We will continue to see this evolve over the next few years with even more innovation, but what will remain the same is that content is king, and the innovators creating the best content will be leaders in this space for years to come. Many customers are under increasing pressure to produce more content with the same or often fewer resources, both technically and operationally.

This is where I believe we can make a real impact — helping them get more out of their technology to deliver on those ambitious goals. It is a great opportunity for us as a solution-focused company to help our customers understand how they can get more out of their technology and deliver their ever-changing business outcomes successfully. Our focus as a company must be to stay as agile and innovative as possible to support our customers wherever they want to go.

And if any group can do that, it’s the people at 91ĚŇÉ«. I have admired Ross’s culture and innovative spirit for many years, and having the opportunity to work alongside what I consider to be the best in the business is extremely exciting for me.

To learn more about how 91ĚŇÉ« can help you meet your production goals, or book a meeting with our sales team using this contact form here.

The post Jeff Smith: Pushing the Envelope in Broadcast Tech appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

As I step into the role of Director of Sales for Canada and Eastern USA, I’m thrilled by the opportunities ahead in the broadcast and live production space.

Media consumption has never been higher than it is today. Even as the platforms where we consume content evolve, the demand for live production remains as strong as ever.

While News and Sports have always been at the forefront of live production but does not end there. Whether you share a message of worship, education, or corporate communications, our solutions can make sharing these messages more creative and efficient, helping you reach audiences in impactful ways.

This trend—branching into new markets—is one of the most significant developments in our industry. It’s essential to keep an open mind about what constitutes our client base. Together with our business partners, we’re continually growing and redefining who we serve, expanding beyond traditional broadcast boundaries.

Of course, one of the biggest challenges our clients in any industry face is navigating an ever-changing landscape of technology. With so many choices, clients often face difficult decisions, whether looking for cost improvements, future-proofing, or better functionality.

We’re closely listening to these needs and offer a wide range of options through our product lines and hyperconverged technologies, which allow us to grow and evolve with our clients as they decide what’s best now and in the future.

Over my 12 years at 91ĚŇÉ«, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with a broad spectrum of clients, from major Canadian broadcasters to corporate clients, sports venues, and even a Physics Think Tank. The diversity of these projects shows the range of possibilities in this field, and it’s an exciting time to support customers as they explore new directions and expand into spaces that might not have traditionally embraced live production.

Taking the next step in my career with 91ĚŇÉ« is extremely exciting. 91ĚŇÉ« is made of groups and teams with a common goal: Customer Success. This is emulated throughout the Canada and USA East Sales Team, and I look forward to helping this team accelerate to the next level!

The post Don Hewitt: Expanding Horizons in Live Production appeared first on 91ĚŇÉ«.

Managing the intricacies of live production, such as switching camera angles, controlling audio, and adapting to breaking news, has always been part of the job. However, today’s broadcasters are under more pressure than ever to produce more high-quality content for multiple platforms without increasing the number of resources. The demand for reliable, automated solutions has surged as these challenges intensify. 

OverDrive, the award-winning production automation system trusted by broadcasters since 2005, is growing in prominence as a cost-effective way to address these operational demands, offering a proven way to enhance production capabilities. 

Addressing the complexity of live production 

Live production is a highly demanding environment. Even the most experienced operators face challenges managing multiple devices and equipment while coordinating teams in real-time.Ěý

Human error, the unpredictability of live production environments, and the ever-growing complexity of workflows all contribute to stress and operational bottlenecks. However, production workflow automation offers broadcasters a way to simplify their processes and reduce the time it takes to go live. 

OverDrive, which recently won TVBEurope’s Best of Show Award at IBC 2024, tackles these challenges by providing an all-in-one control platform. It automates complex and repetitive tasks such as switching cameras, controlling audio, and displaying graphics, allowing producers to manage everything from a single interface. By executing menial tasks, OverDrive reduces operational errors, freeing your team to do more creative work and react to changes quickly, resulting in better-looking, more reliable productions.Ěý

Here are some of its features: 

• RundownControl: Manages all production elements, effects, and transitions for scripted and unscripted productions.Ěý
• DirectControl: Provides direct, manual control of production devices within a unified interface.Ěý
• TemplateEditor: A user-friendly tool for editing, managing, and configuring OverDrive templates.Ěý
• MOS & NRCS Integration: The first HTML5 MOS plugin under the new MOS spec, enhancing newsroom workflow integration.Ěý
• Timing: Multiple user-definable timers to track program time, event time, clip time, and NRCS timing information.Ěý
• Enterprise Grade Virtual Environment Support: Certified to work in various virtualization environments, offering redundancy and cost-saving solutions.Ěý

The benefits of production workflow automation 

To give you a better understanding of how a production workflow automation system like OverDrive supercharges your production, here are a few benefits it has to offer: 

1. Faster turnaround and reduced costs 

OverDrive reduces the need for large, multi-person production teams, streamlining collaboration between technical and editorial staff. Not only does this minimize operational costs, but it also allows production resources to be reallocated toward other necessities like content creation. 

Production workflows move faster because OverDrive integrates with the most popular Newsroom Computer Systems (NRCS). As a result, teams can get on-air quicker, whether it’s a scheduled broadcast or a spontaneous event. With everyone on the team working from a single, cohesive platform, it’s easier than ever to stay in communication with one another, thereby improving efficiency.Ěý

2. Creative flexibility and futureproofing  

OverDrive’s flexible interface empowers producers to customize workflows and tailor broadcasts to their unique needs. This enhances creative freedom, enabling teams to experiment with new formats, graphics, and camera angles. The best part is that it can be done without complicating the workflow.Ěý

As media companies look to the future, a system like OverDrive will be necessary. Its adaptability ensures it can grow alongside production needs, offering long-term value and sustainability. OverDrive’s support for virtual environments reduces the need for physical hardware and allows you to scale up and down quickly with demand. OverDrive was recently used for this exact purpose by AWS to produce and broadcast NABShow LIVE from NAB Show 2024. 

3. Increased confidence = reduced stress  

Automation may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. OverDrive eases the onboarding process for new operators thanks to its intuitive interface. This minimizes the time required for training and enables less-experienced staff to become proficient and contribute to programing quickly. 

OverDrive makes the job easy — regardless of who’s in control — by automating critical tasks and creating consistent, repeatable processes. Plus, you never have to worry about sacrificing production quality. Ultimately, this will reduce stress, especially in high-pressure live situations. 

Ready to supercharge your production? 

Discover how OverDrive can optimize your workflows, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in your live broadcasts. Contact us today to learn how it can take your production to the next level.Ěý

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Spidercam’s involvement in such a landmark moment adds to its growing reputation as the go-to solution for delivering stunning visuals for live events, concerts and sports worldwide. Whether used to capture the action of a high-stakes football match or to give concert goers a dynamic perspective of their favorite artist, spidercam proves time and time again that it enhances the audience experience in ways that conventional camera systems simply cannot. 

While the record-setting screen at Adele’s Munich concert rightfully took center stage, 91ĚŇɫ’s spidercam played a key role in delivering the visual content that filled the enormous display. Suspended from cables high above the crowd, the spidercam system provided crystal-clear, broadcast-quality footage, offering sweeping shots that made even the farthest seats feel connected to the stage. Its ability to cover every angle, even in a massive venue, ensured no detail was missed, from Adele’s intimate moments at the microphone to the custom visuals played during each song. 

The spidercam system is suited for productions of any size, with a winch-driven “cable web” that can be spun over any area, allowing the dolly to roam freely. In Munich, it was set up to capture the full scale of Adele’s performance while navigating the challenges of filming in a venue equipped with the . From a technical standpoint, the spidercam allowed for seamless integration with the production’s overall vision, making it an invaluable asset to the team behind the scenes. 

The Munich concert isn’t the first time spidercam has been involved in a high-profile event. Used in sports arenas like the Euros and FIFA World Cup, award shows like the Oscars, and concerts across the globe, spidercam has become an essential tool for production. 

For event producers, spidercam opens a world of creative possibilities. Whether capturing the energy of a live concert or covering every angle of a sports event, this cable-based camera system offers flexibility and reliability that few other camera systems can match. It can be rented for short-term projects, like a one-off concert, or integrated into long-term productions, allowing it to adapt to the demands of any event. 

As demonstrated over Adele’s ten-show run in Munich, spidercam is more than just a camera system. It plays a crucial role in creating experiences that leave a lasting impact on audiences. It has proven how it can rise to the occasion, no matter how ambitious the project is. Even though 91ĚŇÉ« didn’t directly contribute to the Guinness World Record, the images from our spidercam brought the screens to life. And as our Project Manager, Jens Steinmann, said, “We are proud to have been part of it.”  

In an industry where every detail counts, spidercam continues to deliver unparalleled results, making it the go-to choice for event producers looking to elevate their productions and create something extraordinary. 

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The collaboration between 91ĚŇÉ« and dB Broadcast brought state-of-the-art technology to the event, enabling the young attendees to explore every aspect of television production within a fully equipped studio. From stepping into the shoes of a presenter to working with sound, operating cameras, and experimenting with green screens, the scouts and guides were given a rare chance to experience the complexities of broadcast media. One of the highlights was the use of 91ĚŇÉ«’s powerful Carbonite production switcher, which allowed the young people to produce an authentic magazine-style programme and learn the intricacies of live television.

This initiative provided a fun and educational experience. The hands-on approach allowed participants to challenge themselves, make new friends, and discover potential future careers in the media and technology sectors. Lewis, one of the scouts who participated, shared his excitement: “It was very interesting; I had no idea it was that complex with all the different screens.”

Mike Bryan, Technology Director at dB Broadcast, said: “Introducing young people to broadcast technology in a fun, hands-on way is key. It sparks curiosity and lays the foundation for future media innovation.”

“Working with these young people was inspiring. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were contagious, and it was great to see them dive into the world of broadcast technology with such excitement. It’s been a joy to watch them learn, create, and have fun along the way,” said Hayley Farrar, Demo and Training Specialist at 91ĚŇÉ«.

The has always been a celebration of Girlguiding and Scouting, but this year’s event, powered by the expertise and technology provided by 91ĚŇÉ« and dB Broadcast, added an exciting new dimension, ensuring the young participants had an unforgettable experience.

Karen Packer, Joint Jamboree Chief, said: “We’re immensely grateful to the technology providers for this opportunity. Thanks to their support, our young people explored an area many of them may not have encountered before, sparking their creativity and expanding their horizons. This experience has opened doors to new possibilities.”

This hands-on experience has truly powered the potential of the next generation of media technology professionals, inspiring them to explore exciting future careers in broadcasting. Most importantly, they left the event with new skills, fresh inspirations, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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